Tribute to Tony Momoh @76

MOST Nigerians still remember him as the author of “Letter to My Countrymen” during the Babangida years, a medium he used to sermonise on the virtues of patriotism, honesty and commitment to the service of God andcountry. Tony Momoh is a prince of the famous Auchi Kingdom in Edo State. Members of Momoh family are spread across the entire globe due to their huge numerical strength.

Prince Tony Momoh, is a notable lawyer, journalist, former minister of information, accomplished writer, author of several books, and most recently through his initiative while still serving as the chairman of Congress for Progressive Change, the All Nigerian Peoples Party and the Action Congress of Nigeria collapsed into a mega party, All Progressives Congress, that finally clinched the victory at the March 28 presidential election.

With an untainted loyalty to the Buhari project, Prince Tony Momoh has remained the only man standing, by being steadfast with General Buhari since 2003 till date. As the “Chief Promoter” for Buhari he has published several pamphlets and publicity materials where the true perspective of Buhari was clarified to the satisfaction of all and sundry. When most people jumped ship and deserted Buhari, his unflinching faith in the ability of Buhari to rescue Nigeria remained unshaken.

Through his managerial acumen, Tony Momoh was able to navigate the defunct CPC through the murky waters of Nigeria politics that in 2011 Buhari garnered over 12million votes from across the country. This singular feat no doubt paved the way for Buhari to emerge as the beautiful bride in Nigeria political firmament.

A humanist and unassuming gentleman, Prince Tony Momoh recently attained 76 years of age, and also marked the 46th marriage anniversary between him and his kind -hearted wife. Typical of his unassuming nature, he decided not to celebrate the birthday, though had a quiet celebration of his marriage anniversary with close family members.

As the icon of Nigeria’s journalism profession, he has devoted a greater part of his life in using writing to heal afflicted souls. Little wonder a group of professors devoted over six years in researching into his writings and came up with a book in which he was described as Africa’s most famous Bibliotherapist.

With Nigeria constantly on his mind, he never ceases to proffer solutions to the numerous problems besetting the country, but most importantly he believed that with the sterling character traits of Buhari, he was the leader ably equipped to pull her back from the brink.

Having successfully convinced his colleague chairmen of defunct ACN and ANPP to work towards merger rather than alliance, and seeing his dream come through, Prince Tony Momoh feels fulfilled, having accomplished this greatest task of a lifetime.

Though, most compatriots missed the opportunity to clink glasses and celebrate this man of letters, yet I found it expedient to use this public medium to pour encomiums on my political mentor, and a man whose character traits of integrity humanness, loyalty to friendship and fatherland have continued to endear him to greater number of Nigerians. Without doubt, these are unique qualities he shares in common with the President- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

In this clime where integrity is in short supply, these uncommon traits will readily help the duo to bequeath to generations yet unborn reason to be proud Nigerians. In the quest for a new Nigeria which the incoming Buhari administration is resolute to build, the likes of Prince Tony Momoh will obviously serve as shining lights.

About the Author

Books

An indepth and gripping recount of the invasion of African culture by the British. As told by Tony Momoh

Tony Momoh proposes to National Conference

Democracy Watch: A monitor's Diary, Volume 1, 2 & 3 are compendia from the desk of a Bibliotherapist, Cultural Engineer, and Monitor of governance in Nigeria between 1999 and 2011.

Published in the Point of Order Column, in the Sunday Vanguard, between the afore-mentioned years, Democracy Watch is the self-imposed assignment of one of Nigeria's most distinguished journalists and Lawyers, Prince Tony Momoh.